U.S. Treasury Sanctions Mexican Drug Lord’s Family

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The U.S. Treasury Department froze the assets of 18 people linked to a Mexican drug lord who has been in prison for nearly 30 years.

The U.S. Treasury Department froze the assets of 18 people linked to a Mexican drug lord who has been in prison for nearly 30 years.

The 18 people and 15 businesses sanctioned Wednesday are tied to Rafael Caro Quintero. He is known as one of the godfathers of today’s Mexican cartels.

He began as a drug lord in the 1970s. In 1985, he was arrested and convicted for the kidnapping and murder of U.S. drug agent Enrique Camarena.

The Treasury Department’s sanction targets Quintero's wife and children. It includes close family friends involved in money laundering. The sanctions also apply to their businesses, including a gas station, restaurants construction companies and a resort spa.

The designation prohibits U.S. citizens from doing business with those accused.